CEDAR CITY — Terri Hartley and Craig Isom said farewell to the Cedar City Council chambers at their last meeting.
Cedar City Council members Terri Hartley and Craig Isom bid farewell at their last council meeting, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 13, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City news
At Wednesday’s meeting, Cedar City Mayor Garth Green announced that it was not only 2023’s last meeting but the last Hartley and Isom would attend as City Council members.
“They are retiring,” he said. “Their replacements have been duly elected and are in the chambers this evening. We have a little gift for each one. … I’m sure I speak for the citizens of this community: We’re very grateful.”
Green presented Hartley and Isom with crystal bowls etched with their names and years of service.
Hartley is completing her second term on the council, first winning her seat in 2015. She said that she appreciated the opportunity to serve and learned “a lot” during her years in public service.
Cedar City Council members Terri Hartley and Craig Isom bid farewell at their last council meeting, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 13, 2023 | Photo courtesy of the Cedar City Corporation, Cedar City News
“I’ve had a lot of fun experiences, and more interesting experiences, of course, provided by the two chiefs that usually sit back in that corner (Cedar City Fire Chief Mike Phillips and Police Chief Darin Adams),” she said. “Between tasering zombies and fireworks and lighting fires and whatnot.”
“I so appreciate our staff and the great employees that we have in Cedar,” Hartley said. “Probably the biggest thing that I’ve learned is what goes on behind the scenes that we take for granted every day that keep our city running. So, thank you very much for this opportunity. We come into this evening with some excitement and some remorse, but I’m glad to have my Wednesdays back.”
The councilwoman was born and raised in Cedar City. She studied accounting at Southern Utah University, became involved with the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce and worked at Wells Fargo for 42 years, Cedar City News reported. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Isom joined the council at the same time as Hartley and is also completing his second term. He told the room he was “very grateful.”
Cedar City Mayor Garth Green and City Council members discuss agenda items in this file photo, Cedar City, Utah, May 17, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
“We have incredible staff in this community; they make it run,” he said. “There are those of us that are elected to try to make it run, but ultimately, it’s these good folks and the chiefs and those who keep our streets clean and sewers running.”
“I have had the opportunity to understand our community, and we are very blessed in this community with so many good people,” Isom added. “It’s remarkable. The sense of volunteerism that we possess here, and I don’t know — It’s just a glorious place to be.”
Isom is the director of Accelerating Innovators at SUU’s Business Center and has taught entrepreneurship, accounting and economics classes. He received a Master’s degree in accountancy at Brigham Young University. He began his career as a public accountant with the accounting company Arthur Andersen, according to his biography on SUU’s website.
Cedar City Council members Terri Hartley and Craig Isom bid farewell at their last council meeting, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 13, 2023 | Photo courtesy of the Cedar City Corporation, Cedar City News
Council members Tyler Melling and R. Scott Phillips thanked their colleagues. Phillips recalled how they’ve impacted his time in office.
“They taught me about understanding and tolerance and to listen and (that) every voice matters,” he said. “I knew that, but I learned by watching and observing them. Craig’s wisdom when it comes to all things business has helped immensely with his instruction and guidance.”
“Councilwoman Hartley, when it comes to public finance, when it comes to using your tax dollars wisely, you don’t find anyone more astute, more caring and more understanding,” Phillips added.
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